Who We Are

Learn together, Create together, Stand together

Our ensemble is an active group of learners, artist-activists, facilitators constantly grappling with the challenges of society through conversations, play, advocacy, and perpetual inquiry. Ensemble members may create work for the stage, build educational programming, seek solace, and advocate.  

Staff and Consultants

Godfrey L. Simmons

Godfrey L. Simmons

Artistic Director

He/Him

Email

Rhoda Cerritelli

Rhoda Cerritelli

Managing Director

She/Her

Email

Jacques Lamarre

Jacques Lamarre

Marketing & PR Consultant

He/Him

Email

Ensemble Members

Steven Raider-Ginsburg

Steven Raider-Ginsburg

He/Him

Vernice Miller

Vernice Miller

They/Them - She/Her

Joann Yarrow

Joann Yarrow

She/Her

Tonille Watkis

Tonille Watkis

She/Her

Jeanika Browne-Springer

Jeanika Browne-Springer

She/Her

Vanessa R Butler

Vanessa R Butler

She/Her

Debra J Walsh

Debra J Walsh

She/Her

Wi-Moto Nyoka

Wi-Moto Nyoka

She/Her

Brian K. Jennings

Brian K. Jennings

He/Him

Jelani Pitcher

Jelani Pitcher

He/Him

Brianna Joy Ford

Brianna Joy Ford

She/Her

Hannah Simms

Hannah Simms

She/Her

Zulynette

Zulynette

She/Her

Gineiris Garcia

Gineiris Garcia

They/Them - She/Her

Laugh Sanchez

Laugh Sanchez

He/Him

Julia B. Rosenblatt

Julia B. Rosenblatt

She/Her

Cin Martinez

Cin Martinez

She/Her

Board Members

 

Suzan Bibisi (President); Julia B. Rosenblatt (Vice President); Dilworth Mandhlazi, (Treasurer); Melissa Craig (Secretary); Deborah A. Goffe; Rhoda Cerritelli*; Godfrey L. Simmons Jr.* 
*ex-officio

PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS

Building a Beloved Community:HartBeat's Impactful Partnerships

HartBeat’s commitment to building a Beloved Community has led to several deep partnerships with local institutions. Our partnerships range from social service organizations, public schools, colleges, civic organizations and global majority-owned small businesses. Through these partnerships HartBeat has been able to exponentially increase the reach and impact of our innovative theater experiences.  

Work with us

Be Part of the Crew:

 

We embrace the transformative power of theater and welcome passionate individuals to join our family. Whether your strengths lie in artistic expression, technical expertise, or administration, there’s a place for you.

In the artistic realm, we seek creative minds for directing, acting, choreography, and more to bring captivating stories to life. Our technical crew, including stage managers, lighting, sound, and set design experts, are the backbone of our productions. Administrative professionals with organizational or marketing skills play a pivotal role in our company’s success. Send your information to info@hartbeatensemble.org.

 

 

 

INTERNSHIPS

HartBeat Ensemble offers seasonal internship opportunities to current college students and recent graduates for pay or college credit. We offer a variety of opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and contribute to our projects.

HartBeat is happy to work with you to understand your interests, and interns can work in artistic, administrative, managerial, or other capacities. Previous interns’ work has included editing HartBeat’s website, providing literary assistance for creating new seasons, assisting with community outreach, and many other duties.

Interested interns should contact HartBeat at any time for further discussion, and they must be local to Hartford or able to commute on a regular basis. Email info@hartbeatensemble.org with your resume and a cover letter to express your interest. Cover letters should include information on what specific duties you are most interested in.